"I was engaged to my husband when he first went out, and six years afterwards joined him there, and we were married.

Your uncle, who was a major of his regiment, gave me away.

My husband got his company six months afterwards, and was killed three years later.

My pension as his widow was not a large one, and when your uncle offered me the charge of his daughter I was very glad to accept it.

He gave some idea of his plans for her.